Google Earth

What is it?

Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographical information program that was originally called EarthViewer 3D, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004. It maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe. It was available under three different licenses, 2 currently: Google Earth, a free version with limited functionality; Google Earth Plus (discontinued), which included additional features; and Google Earth Pro ($399 per year), which is intended for commercial use.

How can I use Google Earth in Math Education?

Teach math concepts
Project based learning
Measurement
Exploratory lessons
Cross curricular lessons
Space lessons (utilizing Google Moon, Mars, and Sky)

More specifically:

create interactive graphs
use spreadsheet data to chart coordinate positions with speed, date, and time
measure distance
use colour, symbols and images to present information and data
make and justify problem solving decisions
compute time/distance/rates
insert scale models of real buildings created in Google Sketchup
estimate area of irregular shapes
find volume of geometric solids
find surface area of geometric solids
use exchange rates to find currency amounts from around the world
write and solve proportions
intersecting lines and planes
explore fractals
explore network theory
create geometric patterns
classify and draw mazes and labyrinths
develop deductive and inductive reasoning

What about the Mathematical Processes?

It is clear that by using Google Earth in a math lesson you are integrating Technology into your teaching. Less obvious are ways that you can incorporate other mathematical processes into lessons with Google Earth. Both Problem Solving and Communication can be addressed with Project Based Learning lessons, as students will have to work together to solve a particular problem posed to them (for example, planning and simulating a search and rescue operation). Mental Math and Estimation is used when estimating the area of irregular shapes. By allowing different representations of information and data, Visualization and Connections can be addressed. Many aspects of Reasoning can also be incorporated into Google Earth lessons - proportional reasoning with currency exchange rates; spatial reasoning with 3D buildings and the integration of Google SketchUp; and deductive reasoning by inlaying political maps and having students colour them with 4 colours.